Kedron State High School Debating Team Beats Powerhouses at State Debate

Once dubbed the underdog, the Kedron State High School debating team has emerged victorious at the 2022 Queensland Debating Union Grand Final, beating elite squads from private schools like Brisbane Girls Grammar and Brisbane Boys’ College.



Year 12 students Hugo Hall, Bede House, Calvin Liu, and Jack Turner did their school proud as they were named champions of the prestigious competition, after knocking back two of its toughest opponents in the quarter and semi-final rounds.

The loudest cheers were heard at the spot where a large continent of Kedron SHS watched the debates on implementing a Universal Basic Income at the Somerville House on Wednesday, 24th Aug 2022.

According to Lui, the team’s vice-captain, the community’s support “lit a flame” that pushed them to be confident about beating the powerhouses.

The victory has been sweeter as Kedron State High School is a fairly young and small team, under the mentorship of its former student and English teacher Ryan Taylor-Davis. They admittedly had nerves knowing the accomplishments of Brisbane Girls Grammar and Brisbane Boys’ College, which have been training longer and have bigger teams. 

Also helping out the team as consultants were Jacob Morgan, James Shoring, Reily Chapman, Rowan Gray and Wilson Heslop, who were also part of the debating team when they attended Kedron State High School years ago. 

“The entire 2022 QDU Debating season, Hugo Hall, Bede House, Calvin Liu and Jack Turner lived the school motto “to strive is to shine”, working hard and acquitting themselves as gentlemen and scholars, but on Wednesday evening, they also proved themselves champions,” the school stated. 



After the Floods: Kedron Brook Restoration Updates

Spanning an area of more than 110 kilometres from Ferny Grove to Nudgee, the Kedron Brook catchment was among the Brisbane locations that were severely impacted by the February 2022 floods. Here are some updates and information on how the Kedron Brook restoration works are progressing.



Council’s Kedron Brook recovery and restoration plan consists of a three-stage approach: Assessment and immediate make safe works, restoration and reconnection works, and longer-term improvements at key locations.

 Kedron Brook plan
Kedron Brook plan | Cr Andrew Wines / Facebook

Most of the sections and green spaces of the bikeway have been restored and reopened, whilst restoration works on lighting and electrical infrastructure are expected to commence when it is safe to do so.

Council expects all restoration and rebuilding works to be completed by late 2022. These works include:

  • reconnecting creek crossings at Royal Parade (reopened on 10 June 2022), Wolverhampton Street (underway), Walter Bourke Park (underway)
Creek crossing at Royal Parade
Creek crossing at Royal Parade| Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au
Wolverhampton Street creek crossing
Wolverhampton Street creek crossing | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au
Walter Bourke Park creek crossing
Walter Bourke Park creek crossing | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au
  • rehabilitating embankments at Bedford Street (nearing completion) and Johnston Street (nearing completion)
Embankment rehabilitation at Bedford Street
Embankment rehabilitation at Bedford Street | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au
Embankment rehabilitation at Johnston Street
Embankment rehabilitation at Johnston Street | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au
  • rebuilding at the rail underpass (reopened late June 2022) and culvert crossing (reopened late July 2022) and minor handrail replacement works at culvert crossing (underway)
  • repairing embankment under the Burwood Road bridge (underway)
Upcoming: restoration of  lighting along the 20km section of Kedron Brook Bikeway
Upcoming: restoration of lighting along the 20km section of Kedron Brook Bikeway | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au
Section of Kedron Brook Bikeway in Corbett Park
Section of Kedron Brook Bikeway in Corbett Park | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / brisbane.qld.gov.au


Upcoming are restoration and rebuilding works in Corbett Park at Uxbridge Street (erosion protection works on Burnwood Road bridge abutment and piers) and lighting along the 20km section of Kedron Brook Bikeway. (design, repair and restoration).

For more updates, check out the Kedron Brook Restoration plan on the Council’s website to get the latest updates including works being undertaken along the bikeway.

Starbucks Submits Plans For 24/7 Drive-thru Coffee Shop In Kedron

Coffee lovers across Kedron will have a new place to check out for a caffeine fix on the go, after plans have been revealed for a new, 24/7 Starbucks drive-thru store in the area.


Read: How Did Kedron Get Its Name?


The store, which has been proposed at 493 Gympie Road, Kedron, spans 168 sqm and will be a single-storey building.

The project site is currently home to commercial showroom buildings which will be removed to facilitate the redevelopment. 

Designed by Cottee Parker, the proposed Starbucks coffee shop will have provision for single lane drive-thru (10 cars spaces in a queuing).

kedron starbucks
Plans (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Based on planning documents submitted to Brisbane City Council, the outlet is intended to integrate with the adjoining approved development for a Service Station “to create an integrated development through operational efficiency, commercial viability, accessing and servicing arrangements.”

A report prepared by Wolter Consulting Group states that the food and drink outlet further compliments the approved service station, by activating the frontage to Gympie Road, improving the pedestrian access along this area and enhancing the streetscape to a low scale built form outcome.

starbucks au
Starbucks drive-thru in Caboolture (Photo credit: Honest Tiger/Google Maps)

The store would have a separate pedestrian crossing located on Kedron Street. Additional access from Childers Street to the approved service station also provides a connection to the Starbucks, creating an integrated built form outcome.

The launch of a Starbucks drive-thru in Kedron is part of the brand’s wider scheme to go big on drive-thrus. The brand benefited from drive-thrus during the pandemic when stores were forced to close for a while due to safety concerns.

starbucks brisbane
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

Meanwhile, the site is in an Specialised Centre Zone or large format retail site, which means a public notification will be undertaken for a minimum of 15 business days.

Across all Starbucks locations in Queensland, there are only six with drive-thrus: Eight Mile Plains, Berrinba, Rothwell, Caboolture, Coomera, and Ashmore.

If given the approval, the drive-thru Starbucks in Kedron will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Police Heightens Security at Kedron Brook Bikeway Over Stalking Incidents

Police have heightened patrol at the Kedron Brook Bikeway following safety concerns recently raised by several women who experienced harassment whilst on the bikeway.



A Mitchelton man, who has since been arrested and charged with unlawful stalking, willful exposure, breach of bail, and obstructing police, had allegedly followed and approached a teenage girl walking on the bikeway.

Information provided by the community has led to the arrest of a 37-year-old man who was subsequently charged with unlawful stalking and wilful exposure in relation to two alleged incidents. 

The man allegedly approached a teenage girl on the afternoon of 4 April. She was walking on the Kedron Brook bikeway at Gaythorne and was on her way to a Belleview address when she was allegedly followed by the man on a bicycle. He left the scene after the girl went inside the property.

Moreover, the Mitchelton man was also alleged to have exposed himself to a 49-year-old woman at a Keperra station last December 2021.

In response to these complaints, Inner West police conducted a coordinated operation and investigation, deploying a bike squad, highway patrol and mounted police units in the area. On 13 July, bike squad officers who were proactively patrolling the bikeway located the man who then allegedly ran when the police approached him.

Further investigations later led to the North Brisbane Tactical Crime Squad officers locating his Mitchelton address. He was taken into custody and was charged with unlawful stalking, wilful exposure, breach of bail and obstructing police.

“We’re grateful to local residents who report suspicious and criminal behaviour, which in this case helped us put an alleged offender before the court,” Inspector Allen said.

“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their community, and we encourage anyone who witnesses incidents like these to contact police.”

Before the man’s arrest, claims of harassment surfaced recently with several women recounting their individual experiences of being stalked, approached and even touched without permission by a man whilst on the Kedron Brook bikeway. Residents said that these incidents have been happening in the area for years now.



In early June 2022, Police sought public assistance in the investigations into multiple wilful/obscene exposure offences on Kedron, Grange and the Kedron Brook bikeway allegedly committed by a man in his early 20s. The incidents happened between 28 May and 2 June 2022. 

Security within the bikeway area has been tightened following these reports with more patrols being conducted daily. 

If you’ve experienced sexual assault, you can report it online by visiting this page, over the phone or face to face at a police station. If there’s an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). 

For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.

Byrne Ford Kedron Announces New Million-dollar Showroom

Renowned Brisbane car dealer Byrne Ford will soon open a $1 million showroom, which is set to replace its existing showroom in Kedron.


Read: How Did Kedron Get Its Name?


The new Inner North showroom will feature seven multiple reception areas, state-of-the-art offices, and a space that can accommodate up to eight cars. It will also have a customer lounge which comes equipped with a coffee machine and comfortable furniture.

It will have a three-bay delivery zone, which features electric Smart Tech doors worth $55,000 each.

The brand new showroom is set to replace the existing one, which has been the go-to for those looking for brand new and used Ford and FPV vehicles. The team of dealers at Byrne Ford are known for giving buyers access to a wide range of lenders across the country, helping buyers find the right Ford vehicles for them.

Buyers are encouraged to visit Byrne Ford’s showroom, which is set to open to the public in July 2022. For more information about the new showroom, contact Byrne Ford or follow their Facebook page for updates.

About Byrne Ford

Photo credit: Byrne Ford/Facebook

Byrne Ford is part of the Byrne Auto Group, which is a family-owned organisation based in Brisbane.

Known as one of the leading Ford and FPV dealers throughout Brisbane, Byrne Ford has over 200 new/pre-inspected and used vehicles.

Byrne Ford’s Sales facility can be found at 496-512 Gympie Road Kedron and offers customers an extensive selection of Ford vehicles and pre-owned vehicles. Opened in 2010, they have had sales, service, parts, finance and accessories departments. 

Lutwyche: Get to Know One of Brisbane’s Oldest Suburbs

Did you know that Lutwyche, one of Brisbane’s oldest suburbs, was named after the first Supreme Court judge of Queensland? Here are some other interesting facts you may not know about this suburb.



Alfred Lutwyche and St. Andrew’s Church of England

This inner-city suburb owes its name to Alfred Lutwyche who was born in London in 1810. He was appointed resident judge of the Supreme Court of Moreton Bay and New South Wales Supreme Court judge in 1859. 

It was also during this time that Queensland became a self-governing colony and two years later, Alfred became the first Queensland Supreme Court judge, earning him the moniker “father of the Supreme Court”.

In 1866, St. Andrew’s Church of England was built on a block of land on Lutwyche Road that Alfred purchased (1864) and donated (1865) to the Church.

He died on 12 June 1880 and was buried on the Church’s southern side where a Celtic Cross was erected as the grave’s headstone. His burial site has since become an important feature of the churchyard.

Heritage-listed sites

Conor

Located at 29 Conon Street, this detached dwelling was entered into the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. Conon, built in 1863, was one of the earliest dwellings to be built in the area.

Windsor Air Raid Shelter

Located on Lutwyche Road, the former air-raid shelter was built in 1942 by Brisbane City Council as a wartime precautionary measure. Designed by Frank Gibson Costello, Windsor Air Raid Shelter became a heritage-listed site on 6 April 2005.

Wooloowin State School

Added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 13 January 1995, the school comprises one- and two-storey blocks of classrooms that were connected by verandahs. Among other criteria, Wooloowin State School was considered an important site for its aesthetic significance.

Killila

Located at 100 Stoneleigh, Killila was built in c1885 as a working-class cottage and was the former home of prominent Catholic Archbishop James Duhig during his younger years. The timber house was entered into the Queensland Heritage Register on 1 October 2003.



Key inner-city transportation hub

A year after Alfred Lutwyche immigrated to Australia in 1853, a bridge was built over the Enoggera Creek that provided northerly road access from Brisbane and would later become the starting point going to the Gympie gold fields.

Tram services that meet along Lutwyche Road from Chermside, Kalinga and Stafford served the Lutwyche area until 1968. In 1914, a tramline that ran from Brisbane to Bowen Bridge was extended up to Lutwyche Road, near Kedron Book.  

The Stafford line then branched off to Bradshaw and by 1928 the Grange tramline along Maygar Street on Lutwyche and Windsor border opened. In 1925, the tram line further extended from Kedron Brook to Lutwyche Cemetery.

How Did Kedron Get Its Name?

Here’s The Story Behind Stafford’s Unique Fig Tree

Covert Mobile Speed Camera on Gympie Rd Catches Speeding Motorists’ Ire

A concealed mobile speed camera on Gympie Road between Kedron and Chermside has sparked outrage among road users, with some commenting it has been set up for “revenue raising.”



A photo shared on social media shows a Mercedes van parked behind an LED road work sign taking images of speeding vehicles on a section of Gympie Road without warning. 

“Not hiding honest !!,” wrote the photo uploader.

“Perfect spot! Nice cover from the sign, and at bottom of a downward slope to grab that extra revenue,” comments one user. Another said there used to be warning signs on that section of the road and that “they got rid of them to make more money.” 

Entrapment?

One comment called it “entrapment” since the “offender has no idea that they have been speeding until they get the photo a couple of weeks later” and consequently, the offenders “can not adjust their driving behaviour appropriately.” 

Photo Credit: Reddit / reddit.com

In early May, a motorist shared his dashcam footage showing a mobile speed camera in Sydney hidden between three cars. Another video showed another speed camera in Central Coast tucked away behind a tree where several cars are also parked. The videos sparked renewed calls for the placement of more warning signs on mobile speed cameras. 

Beginning in February, the NSW Government reinstated warning signs on roofs of mobile speed camera vehicles as the state’s revenue from speeding fines rose, reaching $40 million over the 12-month period ending November 2021 for low range speeding (exceeding 10 km/h or less).

Queensland Government says that camera locations are chosen based on their crash history or assessed risk, especially for active and parked mobile speed cameras.

There should be at least two speed-related crashes in the area within the five-year period for mobile speed camera enforcement to be considered in that location.



No Problem if Not Speeding

Other users, however, argue that covert or not, mobile speed cameras shouldn’t be a problem for those obeying the rule and not speeding.

“I don’t see what the issue is with speed cameras, even if they are ‘hidden’. We all know the speed limit. We all know the rule. And we all know the consequences. If you can’t follow the rule then you deserve the fine,” one user said.

“The easy way for this to not be a problem is to you know, not speed… Then it doesn’t matter what they’re doing,” agrees another.

Volunteers Needed! Seeing-Eye Dogs Puppy-Carer in Kedron, Northern Suburbs

Do you have a place in your heart and home to take care of a little puppy that will one day become a Seeing Eye dog? If you are from Kedron or another northern suburb, find out how to volunteer to become a puppy-carer.



Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs is seeking carers for eight-week-old puppies who are willing to have a puppy inside their home, have a secured yard, are willing to provide the puppy with regular socialising, can conduct basic training and can make themselves available for group training as needed.

Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs established its first training school for dog guides in Victoria in 1960 and has since been a national provider of world-class bred and trained dogs. There are currently 200 pups in the Puppy carer program that could one day become dog guides providing independence and improved quality of life for people who are blind or have a low vision.

Applications are open for carers from Northern Brisbane and select Sunshine Coast and Victoria areas. Volunteers may apply for a full 12-month program or a shorter six-month program. Seeing Eye Dogs covers the cost of the program including the cost of all equipment, food, dog health care, vet costs, and training.

You may be qualified to join the program if you have the following skills:

  • Able to drive, own a car and have immediate car access to transport the pup/dog to Kensington or any other location as required
  • Patient, dedicated and flexible
  • Willing and able to follow instructions
  • Dog handling skills (enjoys working with dogs)
  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Fluent English speaking


No prior dog training experience is needed to be a foster puppy parent. However, a volunteer should be comfortable being around dogs and is willing to care for an eight-week-old puppy until it is approximately 12 to 15 months old.

Puppy carers are also expected to provide the puppy with a loving home, help them learn to socialise, and teach them basic skills including toilet training, sitting, and walking on a lead in a relaxed manner.

For more information about the program, click here.